Botswana: The Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA) has organised the closing event for the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. The initiative seeks to help the administration in protecting women and children.
Kweneng District Health Management Team (DHMT) and the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) supported the ministry of Youth and Gender for the event. The organization has shared that it is important for the leaders to understand the importance of having safeguards.
The community has to come together to protect women and children from cruelties and violence.
The various offices in the field of Gender and Youth Affairs were present at the event to conclude the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. (GBV) on women and children. The sixteen days of Activism are an annual initiative which has shown remarkable success in promoting gender rights.
The community takes this to be their own responsibility and has taken the initiative to educate as many people as possible. Community education is one of the first steps to be taken towards the eradication of GBV.
The event was graced by the Member of Parliament for Molepolole South, Shima Monageng. The Minister talked about the devastating impact of GBV. He noted that “every ten minutes, a woman is killed by someone she knows” and called for gender-sensitive interventions, mental health support, and greater investment in children and youth.
The member of parliament and Minister Monageng has asked the stakeholders to improve service accessibility and actively involve cultural and religious leaders in violence prevention efforts.
He has recalled Botswana’s commitment to global development goals and encouraged collective action to close the gap between policy and practice.
The event was attended by a number of community members, leaders, and organizations. The conclusion ceremony was an opportunity for them to reflect on progress made and chart the way forward.
The aim of the day-long festival was to take steps in creating a safer environment for women and children in Botswana.